ACCA – 13-ku Kansatsu Ka Episode 1 [First Impression]

ACCA – 13-ku Kansatsu Ka is a story introducing a foreign world and their foreign system of government. Describing the simple system of the show is almost alien to me as the show is so much more than the mere concept. Within a few moments we learn the main character’s name and his nickname “Jean the Cigarette Peddler.” (This matters as cigarettes are a luxury item.) Instantaneously I was drawn in by the unique art style and it’s fluid animation. I’m reminded of the animation of Ghibli and rotoscoping as an animation form. Going into the show we see Jean works for a part of the government equivalent known as the Territory Inspection Department. Almost immediately we find out that the government is cutting their program because the world is too peaceful now- which immediately implies the world will not be peaceful for long.

ACCA is intriguing because there is clearly a mystery broiling but we don’t know what until the end of the episode. On top of it, the main character is exceedingly good at his job but has no love for it. We see him catch small details and expose people by simply not thinking highly of anyone- but he never feels pretentious or rude, simply apathetic. I can remain engaged with him not because of his job or his righteous beliefs, but simply because he is animated interestingly and has interesting interactions with everyone in the story. Nothing about the premise or the character is on paper the most original, but the execution is entrancing and captivating.

The opening sequence is probably one of my favorite openings in years. I love the jazz and hiphop feel and I love the dynamics of the music in tandem with the animation. And for once the ending caught my eye because it is so uniquely animated, as if someone very carefully performed really difficult parts of animation with care and concern. On top of it the episode is filled with crisp character designs and so many plot threads I’m fairly certain we haven’t even seen them all. What we do see is Jean is so intimidating as an investigator it is largely implied that his entire department is reinstated simply to make him easier to observe and follow. Why? Well, the episode ends on the revelation that there will be a Coup d’etat.

So, how in the hell do I walk away with a show that has so many positive things to it? On top of it all it’s political intrigue, so. . .hell. I have to do it. I’m in. Let’s see where this takes us.

Possibility of Blogging: You bet your coup d’etass!

Oki